Can ISA be used on Civilians without Home Minister's approval???

DPM Najib Hopes Teresa Kok's Release Will Abate Furore Over ISA

PEKAN, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that the release of Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok from the Internal Security Act (ISA) Friday will help subdue the furore over detentions under the Act.

The deputy prime minister said he welcomed Kok's release if the police felt that it was the appropriate thing to do.

"It's the police's decision and I welcome it if it's apt. At the same time, it shows that the government places importance on peace and security in the country," he told reporters after the handing over of "zakat" (tithe) for the Pekan parliamentary constituency here.

 

September 19, 2008 19:18 PM

Teresa Kok's Release Decided Entirely By Police, Says HM Syed Hamid

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the release of the Seputeh Member of Parliament, Teresa Kok, from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA) was decided entirely by the police without referring to him or requiring his approval.

He said he was in fact informed of the matter after Kok had been released, and believed that the release was made after police investigation revealed that the detention was no longer necessary.

"I don't ask questions (to the police) because when it comes to police exercising their power, I let them do their work without any hassle.

Comments:-

Both DPM and HM said the Police act on their own discretion on MP Teresa Kok. What on earth are Police using ISA to detain without Home Minister's approval???

It is unlikely to believe that the Police can invoke the ISA if Home Minister did not endorse it or sign the order. Investigate into the practice of invoking the ISA. Who initiate it or invoke the ISA and whom to detain? Some one must give order and someone must approve it before it is to be carried out. Of course once the ISA Order has been signed or approved, then the Police will carry out the task based on directive. There is no way, the Police can invoke the ISA against any politicians as they like. So Syed Hamid should stop bluffing or telling half-truth.

ISA is under the order of Home Minister who reports to DPM or PM. So PM cannot be ignorant as who invoke the ISA, who will be detained and on what charges they will be detained.